Lions wary of 'Irish beast'

INTERVIEW: The Lions may have ended a three-month losing streak last week, but defence coach Jaque Fourie has cautioned again overexuberant expectations.

The Lions, who dispatched Welsh franchise Cardiff 37-20 at Ellis Park, will face a far more formidable foe this week.

Two-time European champions Munster arrive in Johannesburg and Fourie is well aware that the step up will be considerable.

He said last week's win over Cardiff was 'a step in the right direction', but added that they still have a lot of work to do.

This week they face a "different beast" in the Irish giants, Munster - who came back from 3-26 down against the Bulls at half-time last week, to narrowly lose 24-29.

"If you don't do the basics right they will punish you," the World Cup-winning Springbok said, adding: "They are also a team that plays for the full 80 minutes."

The defence guru said that Munster is "well-structured" and play a "fast-paced" game.

"I also don't think altitude will be a problem for them."

While Fourie wants the Lions to get up to par with the consistency of European teams "as soon as possible", he cautioned against expecting instant results.

"We have to be realistic," the 72-times capped Bok told @rugby365com, adding: " It is going to take a season or two.

"If you look at teams like the Stormers and Sharks, I think they are getting good momentum.

"The Lions need to buckle down and click, as a group," the assistant coach said, adding the injuries contributed to the lack of consistency.

"Hopefully we can adapt quickly and become more competitive - whether it is at home or on the road."

Fourie said that while a loss to Munster on Saturday will be a setback, the management group knows that it is a process and they must stay true to the cause.

"We have seven games remaining and we need to stay positive.

"We need to continue with the growth."

@king365ed

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